2026/27 Challenge series
Intermediate Challenge
Intermediate pupils take a broad 100-question academic Challenge individually at school, under teacher supervision. It offers a deeper test of breadth, judgement and academic confidence.
Current dates and eligibility
Find a Challenge by school year or class.
The official Challenge date protects fairness. If a school calendar creates a genuine difficulty, BMSAQ may review an alternative arrangement at the National Organiser’s discretion.
Scotland: S4 and below
Northern Ireland: Year 12 and below
Republic of Ireland: 4th (Transition) Year and below
Intermediate at a glance
The Intermediate Challenge has 100 questions. Pupils enter individually through their school. Check the school-year guidance for your region above.
The five sections
What pupils answer
Section AOur World & Lifestyle
Section BScience & Nature
Section CHistory & Politics
Section DCulture
Section EGeneral Knowledge
The intermediate experience
Bring your knowledge into conversation.
Intermediate asks pupils to move between subjects and use careful thinking alongside what they already know.
Before the sitting
Check the level and format with your teacher. Use practice to become familiar with the experience.
During the Challenge
Read each question and its answer choices carefully. Keep your answers independent.
After release
Reflect on your individual result and the topics you would like to explore next.
Entered through your school
Your place in a national Challenge.
Pupils enter individually. Your school chooses how many eligible pupils participate, with no fixed team size and no normal central travel.
See the school steps- Your school enters you. The organiser confirms eligibility and orders the individual pupil entries.
- A teacher supervises. Take the Challenge independently in a suitable room at school.
- You receive your result. Your teacher can provide it after release, with available awards or documents.
On Challenge day
The format your school prepares.
Online and school-printed paper are ways to take the same Challenge where supported. Both require supervision and independent answers.
- Get ready
Follow the teacher’s instructions
Use your school-issued access details or the printed paper and answer sheet.
- Take part
Work independently
The normal sitting lasts 30 minutes, with authorised access arrangements where applicable.
- Finish
Complete the submission
Submit online or hand in your answer sheet, following the instructions for the sitting.
Access arrangements
Schools should plan support early. Authorised timing or display arrangements are set by school staff and do not change the academic standard.
Prepare with confidence
Specimen and practice material helps pupils understand the experience before Challenge day.
PDF + OnlineChoose your level
Common questions
Who enters pupils?
A school organiser normally arranges entries and gives pupils the information they need.
How many questions are there?
The Intermediate Challenge has 100 questions.
How are results shared?
The school receives results privately; a Student Account may show a pupil’s own released records.
Next step
Enter the Intermediate Challenge
Register your school or sign in to manage an existing entry.